O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
2. O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
3. Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
4. Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in you do we trust, nor find you to fail.
Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!
5. O measureless Might, unchangeable Love,
whom angels delight to worship above!
Your ransomed creation, with glory ablaze,
in true adoration shall sing to your praise!
Robert Grant’s life and career also played a role in his hymn writing. Born in India to Charles Grant, an influential Christian and member of the British East India Company, Robert grew up with a strong faith and a desire to serve both God and his country. He later became a prominent figure in the British government, working on social justice issues, including the rights of Indian Christians. His dedication to faith and justice likely informed the reverent tone and universal appeal of his hymn.
The hymn was set to the tune Lyons, commonly attributed to Johann Michael Haydn, the younger brother of Joseph Haydn, though some sources suggest it could have been written by Joseph Haydn himself. This tune adds a majestic and joyful quality to Grant’s words, enhancing the hymn’s celebration of God’s glory and might.
Today, "O Worship the King" remains a beloved hymn, cherished for its lyrical beauty and theological depth, reflecting both the grandeur of God and the humility of humanity in response to His glory.
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